B.C. prison inmates fighting to unionize
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The Canadian Press Friday Mar. 4, 2011 4:28 PM PT
Inmates at a British Columbia prison are in the final stages of efforts to form their own union to press for their rights as workers within the institution.
Their lawyer, Natalie Dunbar, said Friday organizers at Mountain Institution in Agassiz are trying to sign up members for ConFederation, Canadian Prisoners' Labour Union, Local 001.
A spokeswoman for the institution said administrators are moving very carefully because no penal institution in Canada has ever been confronted with the issue.
"It's a new element for us," assistant warden Brenda Lamm said. "We've never had inmates trying to organize a labour union before so that's why we're proceeding cautiously and thoughtfully."
Dunbar said there's a lack of resources at federal institutions to address issues that plague prison populations as a workforce, such as proper work boots and qualified first-aid personnel.
Inmates work in the facility's store, the cafeteria and as plumbers' and electricians' assistants. Some also work on the facility's vehicles at the institution's garage and others are considered employed while they take various courses.
"These are Canadian citizens," Dunbar said.
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Article Link
The Canadian Press Friday Mar. 4, 2011 4:28 PM PT
Inmates at a British Columbia prison are in the final stages of efforts to form their own union to press for their rights as workers within the institution.
Their lawyer, Natalie Dunbar, said Friday organizers at Mountain Institution in Agassiz are trying to sign up members for ConFederation, Canadian Prisoners' Labour Union, Local 001.
A spokeswoman for the institution said administrators are moving very carefully because no penal institution in Canada has ever been confronted with the issue.
"It's a new element for us," assistant warden Brenda Lamm said. "We've never had inmates trying to organize a labour union before so that's why we're proceeding cautiously and thoughtfully."
Dunbar said there's a lack of resources at federal institutions to address issues that plague prison populations as a workforce, such as proper work boots and qualified first-aid personnel.
Inmates work in the facility's store, the cafeteria and as plumbers' and electricians' assistants. Some also work on the facility's vehicles at the institution's garage and others are considered employed while they take various courses.
"These are Canadian citizens," Dunbar said.
More on link